Gerrard: Make yourself a hero

Steven Gerrard has called on his teammates to make themselves heroes when Liverpool face neighbours Everton in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final.

The skipper believes Saturday is a day when any of the players involved could become a legend - and he wants whoever it is to be wearing a red shirt.

The skipper was speaking to the media at a pre-match press conference in which he admitted our league campaign had fallen short of expectations.

But he claimed reaching a second major final in one season would make 2011-12 a campaign to remember.

"I think it's happened a lot of times: big players have had a big impact on big games," said Gerrard. "But anyone can be the hero on the day.

"It's one of those occasions that's set-up so well for heroes. Big games, big heroes and let's hope they're in red shirts."

Gerrard added: "Everyone's frustrated with the league position, we won't hide that fact. But I think if this team, this squad, delivers two major cup finals in one season, it can turn the season into a success.

"The simple facts are our league campaign hasn't been good enough. We're all frustrated and the players have under-delivered in the league. All of us. Not just the new signings, not just certain individuals. All of us have under-delivered in the league. We've done fantastic in the cups.

"We had three targets at the beginning of the season. One was top four and then we wanted to have two cup runs and I think we've done fantastically well. There's one more big hurdle to get over and to deliver two cup finals would be an unbelievable achievement."

Gerrard knows everyone in the city has been counting the days to this game - but he hopes the adrenaline will not spill over in the game.

And he disregarded the importance of Everton going into the game above Liverpool in the table.

He explained: "It's my responsibility and that of the other experienced lads in the dressing room to help the younger lads that are going to be involved. It's important that we don't get too fired up and lose a man. We will be aware of that.

"I don't think the league position's got anything to do with this game and I don't think you need motivation going into a local derby at Wembley in front of 92,000 in an FA Cup semi-final.

"That's the motivation. I don't think any player on the pitch will be thinking about league position once the game starts. The thinking will be 'What can we do on this pitch to get into the final?'

"FA Cup semi-finals are very big at the best of times but when you are playing your local rivals there's an extra bit of spice involved and it makes it that bit bigger."